England could welcome back two of their crocked 2005 Ashes heroes before the end of the summer - after the selectors backed their comebacks from injury with call-ups and kind words.

Talismanic all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has a chance of ending his 18-month Test exile at Headingley in a fortnight, while Simon Jones is in the reckoning for one-day action later this summer after being named in a provisional 30-man party for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Next week's first npower Test against South Africa came too soon for Flintoff on his return from a side strain but national selector Geoff Miller left open the possibility of the 30-year-old playing in Leeds.

Unlike earlier in the summer, England opted not to name the same squad for back-to-back Tests, leaving room to manoeuvre after the opening match of four.

England will create Test history if they field the same XI for the sixth consecutive match at Lord's next Thursday but that does not preclude a change when Flintoff is ready.

"If there is somebody in a situation where they can overtake them and we think they can perform better for us, then we would do that," said Miller.

"We've left bowlers out in New Zealand and that made a difference and at one stage we left Andrew Strauss out as well, so it is not a cosy club at all.

"It is our decision if they're good enough to stay in the side or not."

Miller added: "We have been in constant communication with Andrew over a period of time and we just need to see a few more miles in the legs and a few more runs from the bat.

"But England is a better side, as we know, with a fully fit Andrew Flintoff."

Flintoff's absence has been nowhere near the length of that of Welsh paceman Jones, whose recall to an England party ended what has been one agony after another since a chain of injuries began back in the penultimate match of the 2-1 Test victory over Australia three years ago.

Having already courageously fought back from a six-month hiatus with a ruptured cruciate ligament as a youngster, he has also battled a career-threatening knee problem with great success.

"My lowest point was probably last year when things were going wrong," said Jones, who has taken 26 County Championship wickets at 12.53 apiece for Worcestershire following a winter switch from Glamorgan.

"I had worked so hard to get where I needed to be and you do start doubting yourself then.

"But things have clicked for me, so I am not going to dwell on what's gone, just look forward now, as I believe I am somewhere near my best."

That was undoubtedly during that 2005 campaign, when his ability to reverse swing the ball allied to natural pace accounted for 18 Australian wickets at 21 runs apiece.

Jones, now 29, has been consigned to the role of frustrated spectator ever since.

"It is very hard but sport is a cruel thing sometimes," said Jones, who has played only 18 Tests since his debut six years ago.

"You have to keep positive in your own mind, keep your head down and keep working hard.

"There is always somebody knocking on the door and competition keeps you sharp.

"People might say not many keep on coming back but it is what I want to do with my life, I want to play cricket at the highest level."

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